July - August 2022

What to Know Before Hiring a Home Contractor

When it comes to choosing a home improvement contractor, it is important to ask questions, to be selective and, most importantly, never hire an unlicensed contractor.

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection website has resources to help homeowners select a contractor including what to know before requesting an estimate; a list of questions to ask potential contractors; what you should know about the contract; and more.

The contractor should apply for and obtain any required permits from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Otherwise, the homeowner may be held responsible for code violations if the work is not done correctly. For information about permitting and inspections for residential projects, visit the DPS website.

To verify a home contractor’s license, visit the Maryland Department of Labor website.

Fence Permits

Are you planning to add or replace a residential fence this summer?

The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issues hundreds of permits for fences each year. Generally, a permit is required to install any type of fence in Montgomery County.

If you are replacing an existing fence with the same kind of fence in the same location and at the same height, a new fence permit is not required if the original fence was installed with a fence permit. If the existing fence was not installed with a fence permit, the replacement fence must have a permit.

For more information, visit the DPS website and check out the frequently asked questions and answers section.

Business News: Use and Occupancy Certificates

Did you know that every commercial business in Montgomery County must have a valid Use and Occupancy (U & O) certificate? This documentation certifies that the building, space, or suite meets the code requirements for the use. For example, if you have a barber shop, the U & O certificate documents that the building’s electrical, fire and mechanical systems meet the code requirements for a barber shop.

Here are eight more things to know about U & O certificates:

• Use and Occupancy certificates do not expire unless the use of the space changes.
• Use and Occupancy certificates do not generally include a business name, and it does not matter if the business name is on the certificate if the use is the same.
• Building owners or tenants of a building space should have a copy of the Use and Occupancy certificate for that business. When the building or space turns over or changes owners, it is important to get the current Use and Occupancy certificate.
• When you construct a new building or fit-out a new office space, you are required to have a new Use and Occupancy certificate.
• If you move your business into an existing space, the new space must have a valid U & O certificate for your business’ use. For example, if you move a dental office into a space previously occupied by a barber shop, you are required to get a new U & O certificate for your business space. If you move a new barber shop into a space that was previously a barber shop, a new certificate is not required.
• A “Change of Use” building permit is required if your business does not match the current use of your space. This permit is required even if you are not doing any construction work on the new space. This permit gives staff from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) the opportunity to inspect the new space to make sure it meets the building code for the proposed use. A new U & O certificate will be issued after the space has passed inspection.
• It does not matter how long a business has been around, the space it occupies must have a valid U & O certificate. Sometimes business spaces turn over without business owners ensuring that the U & O certificate is legal. Check the U & O documentation before signing a contract or lease. It is the business owner’s responsibility to make sure their business can legally occupy a building or space. When checking out a new space, make sure the first question you ask is about the validity of the U & O certificate.
• DPS staff can help you find the U & O certificate for your space and can help make sure that the U & O certificate is valid for your business. Visit the DPS website for more information.

If you have questions or need more information about U & O certificates, including scheduling an inspection, call 311 in Montgomery County or 240-777-0311 outside of the County.

Sign Review Board Meets July 13

The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13. The agenda for the meeting is posted on the DPS website.

If you have questions or need more information, email Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Wednesday Water Webinar: July 20

Mark your calendar for noon on Wednesday, July 20. That’s when the University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar. This month’s topic is groundwater and its protection. Register online.

Coming Soon: New Percolation Testing Policy

A new Percolation Testing Expiration Policy goes into effect on Sept. 1. The new policy impacts data for percolation testing conducted in Montgomery County prior to Feb. 28, 1979. For details, visit the DPS website.

DPS to Host Land Development Engineering Workshop

The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is planning to host a free Land Development Engineering Workshop for civil engineers in mid-September at the Wheaton Office Building auditorium, located at 2425 Reedie Drive.

The workshop will cover several land development topics, including:

• Floodplain permits;
• Floodplain studies;
• Sediment control permits, and
• Stormwater management concepts.

While this workshop will focus on sediment control and stormwater management, there will also be opportunities for attendees to meet and ask questions of staff from the Public Right of Way and Well and Septic sections of the Land Development division.

“We are very excited to host this event and hope our private sector partners will join us for this interactive discussion,” said Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski. “Our goal is to provide helpful information and to clarify Montgomery County requirements, which hopefully results in improved timeliness of approvals and the start of construction projects.”

Look for more information about the workshop and how to register on the DPS website in the coming weeks. Email questions to linda.kobylski@montgomerycountymd.gov.

How Are We Doing?

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services is committed to providing outstanding customer service. Take this quick survey and share information about your experience with DPS services and staff. Your input is important!

Join Our Team

Are you looking for a new job? Our department is hiring building inspectors, permitting specialists, and more. Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Apply today!

Looking Ahead: Schedule Change

Reminder! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5  in observance of Labor Day. The customer service lobby, located on the 7^th floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton, will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept 6.

Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time. Visit the DPS website for more information about eServices.

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